Looking for some great children’s books about kindness? You’re in the right place to get a list of titles that champion kindness. As a school librarian, I’ve been pleased to see an emphasis on kindness in my community and schools lately. T-shirts and bulletin boards urge students to “Be the Kind Kid”. But what does that really mean? To provide some examples of kindness for my students, I made a list of some of my favorite children’s books about kindness. I curated this list carefully and included books that touched my heart. Maybe they will move you as well. You might even need to have some tissues handy! I hope you enjoy reading through this list as much as I enjoyed making it. Teach kids that kindness rocks!
***Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.*** Already know what you’d like to get from Amazon? Here’s a handy way to get to the website, linked to one of my favorite children’s movies about kindness. Just click on the link, then browse around and do your shopping.
Favorite Children’s Books About Kindness
Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco
I’m so glad we added this book to our library collection last year. It’s based on the true story of World War 2 soldier Johnnie Wallen, who befriended a little girl while his unit was stationed in the Philippines. In a twist of fate almost too incredible to believe, Johnnie’s kindness to the little girl is paid back in a surprising way. This book is difficult to categorize in a library. The story is written and illustrated in picture book format, but the subject matter is appropriate for older students as well. This amazing book had me reaching for the tissue box!
Amos & Boris by William Steig
This book made it onto my Kindness Books for Kids list because it is a classic which some people may not have heard of. Published back in 1971, this story relates the encounter between a mouse named Amos and a kindly whale named Boris. When Boris rescues Amos at sea, a friendship develops. How could a creature as small as Amos ever return the good deed Boris had done? Read this awesome book to find out, and share it with someone you love. Elementary kids in grades 2 and 3 would especially enjoy this heartwarming story.
Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming
A teacher brought this creation to my attention a few years ago when she told me it was her favorite picture book of all time. Set in the 1940s, this colorfully-illustrated work is based on events which took place in post-World War 2 Holland. Dutch people were in desperate need of basic necessities, and many families in America responded. Food, clothing and hygiene items were sent to grateful citizens. Letters also flowed back and forth between the donors and the recipients, leading to some surprising results. After the conclusion of the story, the author shares where she got her idea for the book, and it adds to the inspiration to know that the story is true! Kids in grades 1 through 5 will appreciate this book. It would make a terrific component to any unit about World War 2.
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
This simple picture book is a great one to read to kindergarten and first-grade students. The text is written from the viewpoint of a little girl who is trying to help a friend feel better about her day. When I read this book aloud, I always direct my students to pay close attention to the illustrations, because the words in the story don’t give all of the details about what is happening. The emotions of the girls as the plot progresses are illustrated so well. It’s a great way to teach the skill of inferring from the pictures how a character is feeling. It wasn’t until I had read the book a few times that I noticed the significance of the final illustration, which has no words to accompany it. Have fun reading this book to young students!
Kermit the Hermit by Bill Peet
This is one of the older books in our library collection, but it’s a keeper! Published in 1965, it’s another one you may not have heard of. Don’t be put off by its age. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud, and the plot is clever. Bill Peet had a real knack for spinning a tale filled with animals as the main characters. In this case, the animal is a crab. The crab, named Kermit, was also a hoarder who kept to himself. One day, Kermit stumbles into an unfortunate situation and has to be rescued. From that time on, Kermit’s focus changes. He devotes his time to figuring out how he might return the kindness. The solution is unexpected. I hope you will have the chance to enjoy this story with someone you know. Kids in grades 1 through 3 will appreciate the rhyming and the humor.
The Principal’s New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson
Delighting readers since 1989, this story is one of my favorite retellings of a classic tale. Instead of the emperor needing new clothes, the principal needs a new outfit. Known as a snappy dresser, the principal jumps at the chance to buy a one-of-a-kind suit. The shysters, posing as tailors, fool the principal into thinking that the suit is made of a special material. If a person is no good at his or her job, or not very smart, that person will not be able to see the cloth. The principal can’t see his new “suit”, but he doesn’t tell anyone. He parades to work and then to the school auditorium in his underwear. Without giving away the rest of the story, I’ll just let you know the principal was the beneficiary of some generous acts of kindness. Laugh your way through this entertaining tale with kids of all ages.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Unlike the other books on this list, this story is not about someone performing acts of kindness. Rather, it is the sad and touching story of kind acts left undone. A new girl, Maya, repeatedly tries to befriend students in a class, with no success. The teacher then provides a lesson about kindness using pebbles and a bowl of water. “This is what kindness does. Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world.” When the new girl doesn’t return to school, the main character has regrets about the times she rejected Maya’s offers of friendship. This is a powerful story of regret. You never know what a difference one kind act will make in someone’s day. I will definitely be sharing this story with students in grades 2 through 5.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
More Children’s Books About Kindness
These additional books about kindness for kids range from classics to new arrivals. Get some more ideas about how to teach kids about kindness from these titles. You’ll be inspired!
| Kindness Starts with You-At School |
Follow young Maddy as she goes through her typical school day experiences. Great for showing kids they can be kind no matter where they are or what they are doing.
|
| Wonder |
Also a popular movie, this chapter book tells the powerful story of Augie, a boy who looks different and has a lot to teach his peers and adults about being kind and accepting.
|
| Kindness is My Superpower |
Make kindness and empathy a priority when you read this book to kids. Little superhero Lucas gets opportunities to be kind at the store, at school and elsewhere.
|
| Kindness Makes Us Strong |
In this brightly-colored board book, toddlers and preschoolers get the chance to learn about everyday examples of kindness.
|
| Kindness Makes Me Stronger |
Can animals learn to be kind, too? In this charming, imagintative rhyming tale, Nick visits his grandparents’s farm and helps the animals learn to treat each other better.
|
| Have You Filled a Bucket Today? |
In this guide to daily happiness for kids, the term “bucket-filler” is someone who says and does things to be kind, helpful, and make others feel good.
|
| Listening with My Heart |
When teaching kids about kindness and compassion, being kind to oneself is often forgotten. This sweet story reminds kids to treat themselves with kindness, too.
|
| Our Class is a Family |
Relatives are your family, but people who accept you as you are can be like your family as well. That’s the message in this colorfully-illustrated book.
|
| The Rainbow Fish |
Is it more important to look good or to have friends? That is the lesson at the heart of this classic tale about a lonely fish who learns a lesson in kindness.
|
| A Little SPOT of Kindness |
A little SPOT spots kindness in everyday situations in this fun book about how to spread kindness everywhere.
|
| I Like to Be Kind |
Written especially for preschoolers, the goal of this charming book is to inspire kids to do good deeds by following the example set by a father in the story.
|
| The Story of Ferdinand |
In this timeless classic (also a movie), Ferdinand is a gentle bull who doesn’t want to fight. Will he be able to be true to himself?
|
What Are Your Favorite Kindness Books for Kids?
Have you gotten some good ideas from today’s post? Some of these books about kindness would make excellent audio book selections to listen to on trips, or even gift ideas to pack along in a beach bag. Many of you may have your own favorite kindness books for kids titles to share. I’d love to learn about them! Getting book recommendations from others is one of my favorite things.
Other Fun Book Lists:
If you enjoyed this list of best children’s books about kindness, you might like these book lists as well:
- Best Fall Picture Books for Kids
- Inspiring Technology Books for Kids
- Awesome Summer Reading Programs
- The Best Free eBook Deal For Kids and Teachers
- Best Christmas Books for Kids
- Best Valentine Books for Kids
- Best Coding Books and Websites for Kids
- Best Pumpkin Books for Kids
Have a wonderful week, and enjoy reading about kindness!
Lisa Mitchell is a school librarian who likes to use her job as an excuse to stay up far too late reading books and noodling around with tech tools. To learn more about what this website has to offer, click on over to the About page.
Kindness is what the whole world needs now. And it starts with us. Thanks for a great post.
You are most welcome. I hope you get to read some of the books.